April 25, 1926 - May 2, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Irene Lillian Bell on May 2nd, 2022. She was born to Wilhemine and John Biddle on April 25th, 1926 in London, Ontario. Irene married George Lindsay in 1953, and went on to travel much of Canada with their two children thanks to his career in the Air Force. After George's passing, Irene returned to London where she eventually met her second husband Wilf Bell. She spent much of her life in London with friends and family before moving to Vancouver Island in 2010. Family both in Ontario and B.C. will be extremely grateful to have spent so many wonderful years with Irene.
Irene has always been active, walking anywhere and everywhere with her sister Annie, and dancing her nights away with George. Her love for dogs started with her sidekick Lady, then Queenie, and finally Boots, who was her "Little Friend" right until the very end. She could bring any group of people together with a game of cards, and many of us hold onto fond memories of learning her favorite board games at a young age. And there was also her pies and buttertarts - if you were lucky enough to have one, you'd never forget it.
Those who knew Irene will remember her for her kindness and loving nature. We will forever miss the way she would light up a room with her bright smile and her soft laughter. Her unconditional and unending love and support will always live on with us.
Irene was pre-deceased by her first husband George Lindsay; second husband Wilf Bell; and her sister Mary Catherine (Ray). She is survived by her sister Annie Biddle; daughters Heather (Doug), and Sue (Glenn); grandchildren Jennifer (Maurice), Christopher, Aaron, Lindsay, and Scott; great-grandchildren Gordon (Christina); great-great-grandchildren Amelia and Ryleigh. She is also remembered as a cherished aunt to Diana and Catherine (Gragg), and great-aunt to Jacquelyn, Amy, Dallas, and Amanda (Marc), and great-great-aunt to Olivia. Amongst other family and friends she will be missed by her good friend Kelly.
Whether it be as a sister, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, or a friend, Irene will forever be remembered as a caring and inspiring figure in the lives of all who knew her.
A graveside service was held for Irene on May 9th, at 1:00pm, at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, 2347 Cedar Rd, Nanaimo, BC.